With only three weeks until Christmas, Kris Kringle will make a special visit to Jasper to ride the Santa Train, Dec. 3.
This will be the man in red’s 10th year chugging down Jasper’s tracks, after joining the charity train trip for the first time in December 2004.
“Sue McCarthy was the instigator and driving force behind it from the beginning,” said Ann Thomas of Sanatas Anonymous—the charity that benefits from the proceeds each year. “She’s really to thank.”
McCarthy, supervisor of employee services with Via Rail Jasper, got the idea for the festive event from Prince George and Prince Rupert, which each had their own Santa Trains.
“The Prince Rupert station started it and Prince George was doing it, so I thought there was no reason why we couldn’t do it. So I asked my boss and he said, ‘I can’t see why not!’”
From there the wheels were in motion: a train was booked, volunteer engineers were found, goodie bags were made, tickets were printed and posters were hung.
“It was sold out within hours,” remembers McCarthy. Such success has carried on each year since then, without a single empty seat in the train cars.
McCarthy said that first year was emotional. “I will always remember, the first time I made the announcement I got choked.”
She was just so pleased to see so many people come together to create an event for Jasper’s kids.
“It was really heartwarming.”
For McCarthy its the kids that make the effort worthwhile each year. She said seeing their faces and hearing their excited chatter is exciting and rewarding.
“They’re just cute,” she said. “What stands out to me is their faces when they see Santa. You just see these eyes when they see Santa coming down the aisle. They’re like, ‘how’d he get here?’”
The train takes dozens of kids from Jasper to Yellowhead and back. During the ride, there is carolling and candy cane eating, as well as time to meet Santa and receive a goodie bag full of gifts from Via Rail.
And beyond the event itself, the joy continues, as Santas Anonymous puts the proceeds toward supporting families and children through the Christmas season.
“It’s such a good cause,” said McCarthy. “You’re basically giving money to feed them or clothe them or buy them gifts.”
Each year, Santas Anonymous supports around 50 local families with gifts and food hampers. That support is made possible because of events like the Santa Train.
For those who missed their opportunity to purchase a train ticket, there are many other ways to support Santas Anonymous this season.
In early December, mitten lines—clothes lines with paper mittens pinned to them—will be up around town, outlining specific items families have requested. So, grab a mitten, purchase the item written on it and drop it off in a gift collection box with the mitten attached, and you’ll help Santa and Jasper families this Christmas.
Individuals, families, clubs and businesses can also become family sponsors. This helps meet the needs and wishes of one whole family. To sponsor a family, call Ann Thomas at 780-852-4321.
Families looking for support this season are encouraged to register for food and gift hampers by calling 780-852-6540 by Dec. 2.
Nicole Veerman
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